Simplifying anemia management in hemodialysis patients: ESAs administered at longer dosing intervals can enhance opportunities to provide patient-focused care

Abstract

Objective:

To review issues and challenges in caring for hemodialysis patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease, specifically focusing on the effects of longer erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) dosing intervals on processes of care.     

Use of darbepoetin alfa in European clinical practice for the management of chemotherapy-induced anaemia in four tumour types: final data from the CHOICE study

Abstract

Objectives:

The CHOICE study was a prospective, multicentre, observational study designed to assess levels of adherence in current clinical practice to the European product label and EORTC guidelines for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia (CIA) with darbepoetin alfa (DA). Here we present data split by tumour types: breast, colorectal, ovarian and lung.     

Post-herpetic neuralgia: 5% lidocaine medicated plaster,pregabalin, or a combination of both? A randomized,open, clinical effectiveness study

Abstract

Objective:

To compare efficacy and safety of 5% lidocaine medicated plaster with pregabalin in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), and to assess the benefits of combining both drugs in patients not responding to either single agent.     

Long-term effectiveness and tolerability of sublingual fentanyl orally disintegrating tablet for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain

Abstract

Background and objectives:

Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is a transient exacerbation of cancer pain in patients with otherwise stable, persistent background pain. This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness and tolerability of sublingual fentanyl orally disintegrating tablet (sublingual fentanyl ODT), for the treatment of BTcP in opioid-tolerant patients with cancer.     

Clinical outcomes following switch from venlafaxine ER to desvenlafaxine in nonresponders and responders

Abstract

Objective:

This post hoc analysis examined efficacy and tolerability of open-label desvenlafaxine in patients with major depressive disorder switched from blinded placebo, venlafaxine extended release (ER), or desvenlafaxine.     

Measuring functional performance in patients with COPD: a discussion of patient-reported outcome measures

Abstract

Objective:

This study was designed to explore antihypertensive efficacy and safety of a combination of amlodipine (CCB) and valsartan (ARB), in essential hypertensive patients not adequately controlled by amlodipine monotherapy.     

The use of high doses of OROS hydromorphone in an acute palliative care unit

Abstract

Objectives:

To characterize patients who received high doses of OROS hydromorphone (OROD-HY), a retrospective study of patients admitted in an acute pain relief and palliative care unit for a period of two years (from June 2009 to June 2011) was performed.     

Comparative effectiveness of fingolimod versus interferons or glatiramer acetate for relapse rates in multiple sclerosis: a retrospective US claims database analysis

Abstract

Objective:

Disease-modifying therapies, such as fingolimod, interferon (IFN) and glatiramer acetate (GA), have differing effects on relapse rates in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but little is known about the real-world differences in relapse rates with these treatments. This retrospective study assessed relapse rates in patients with active MS initiating fingolimod, IFN or GA therapy in a real-world setting.     

Postmarketing migraine survey of frovatriptan: effectiveness and tolerability vs previous triptans,NSAIDs or a combination

Abstract

Objective:

Compare the effectiveness and tolerability of current therapy with frovatriptan 2.5-mg tablets (in 1–3 migraines) in patients with migraine previously using other triptans, analgesics/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or triptans and NSAIDs (T+NSAIDs).     

Changes in calculated coronary heart disease risk using proactive multifactorial intervention versus continued usual care in Latin-American and non-Latin-American patients enrolled in the CRUCIAL trial

Abstract

Objective:

To compare the change in calculated coronary heart disease (CHD) risk using a proactive multifactorial intervention (PMI) versus usual care (UC), among Latin-American (LA) and non-LA patients enrolled in the CRUCIAL trial.     

Recent developments in the treatment of osteoarthritis with NSAIDs

Abstract

Objective:

To conduct a systematic review of evidence supporting the efficacy and safety profiles of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) introduced in the last decade for the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis (OA), including their analgesic effects, ability to improve function, and adverse event profiles relative to current standards of care.     

Comparing nilotinib with dasatinib as second-line therapies in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia resistant or intolerant to imatinib – a retrospective chart review analysis

Abstract

Introduction:

This study compared progression, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment changes among chronic myelogenous leukemia patients in chronic phase (CML-CP) receiving nilotinib or dasatinib as second-line therapy.     

Development of a family functioning scale for major depressive disorder

Abstract

Objective:

To better understand depression’s impact on family functioning from the perspectives of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and their partners; to develop and test patient and partner versions of a new self-reported measure, the Depression and Family Functioning Scale (DFFS), for use in clinical trials.     

Effect of guideline orientation on the outcomes of peripheral arterial disease in primary care

Abstract

Objective:

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), an established marker of premature death and cardiovascular risk in general, is highly prevalent. We analysed factors associated with poor outcomes in an observational cohort, with particular focus on the effect of guideline orientation in the management of these patients.     

Deciphering the <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">In Vivo</Emphasis> Performance of a Monoclonal Antibody to Neutralize Its Soluble Target at the Site of Action in a Mouse Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model

Purpose

Study the disposition and target-neutralization capability of an anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) monoclonal antibody (mAb) at the joint in a mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model.

Methods

A mechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study was conducted in a mouse CIA model using CNTO 345, a rat anti-mouse IL-6 mAb, as model compound. The drug, total/free IL-6 concentrations in both serum and joint lavage fluid were quantitatively assessed and compared to those in the normal control mice.

Results

CNTO 345 exhibited higher clearance and significantly higher joint lavage/serum ratio in the CIA mice than in the normal control mice. The mAb concentrations in the joint lavage are approximately proportional to the serum concentrations at all the time points being examined. Dosing of CNTO 345 led to sustained free IL-6 suppression in both serum and joint lavage in a dose-dependent manner. A dose-dependent increase in total IL-6 was observed in serum, but not in the joint lavage fluid. Though no change in disease activity was observed following a single dose of anti-IL-6 mAb at peak of the disease, a dose-dependent decrease in serum amyloid A, a downstream biomarker of IL-6, was observed.

Conclusions

This study provided quantitative assessments of the distribution and target-neutralization capability of an anti-IL-6 mAb at the site of action in an animal disease model.

     

Accuracy and preference assessment of prefilled insulin pen versus vial and syringe with diabetes patients,caregivers, and healthcare professionals

Abstract

Objectives:

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the dosing accuracy of the new prefilled FlexTouch insulin pen (FT) in comparison to conventional vial and syringe (V&S) when used by patients (Pts), caregivers (CG) and healthcare professionals (HCPs).     

Intracoronary versus intravenous abciximab administration in STEMI patients: overview of current status and open questions

Abstract

Objectives:

To perform a systematic review to provide rationale for intracoronary (IC) abciximab administration in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), to summarize recent studies comparing IC vs. intravenous (IV) abciximab administration in this setting and to define questions that need to be answered in future trials determining the optimal abciximab regimen.     

Factors associated with warfarin discontinuation,including bleeding patterns,in atrial fibrillation patients

Abstract

Objective:

To determine risk factors for both warfarin discontinuation and bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).     

Long-term treatment of anxiety disorders with pregabalin: a 1 year open-label study of safety and tolerability

Abstract

Objective:

Short-term clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study examined long-term safety and tolerability of pregabalin in patients with GAD, social anxiety disorder (SAD), or panic disorder (PD).     

Treatment patterns among physician specialties in the management of fibromyalgia: results of a cross-sectional study in the United States

Abstract

Background:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by persistent and widespread pain and often associated with other symptoms and comorbidities. Thus, FM patients seek care from multiple physician specialties. This study compared prescribing patterns, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), healthcare resource use (HRU), and direct costs related to FM in routine clinical practice across physician specialties.